Enjoying Utah Weather

When Saturday rolled around we had to say our good-bye's to Holly and Joe. Hannah tried to convince me to go with them to Montana, she said I could just hide in the trailer, as tempting as it was I had to eventually say no and give her big hugs goodbye. Always wish I had more time to spend with the nieces and nephews! We left Kris' shortly there after to meet up with Katee and Drew and company for a hike. (Katee and Drew always come up on the 4th to visit his family and they were sweet enough to come the weekend before the 4th so they could be at Ollie's blessing on Sunday.) After a bit of a drive we met up with everyone at Provo Canyon Falls. I think I was expecting a hike but it was more like a walk to the falls and then we all got to hang around enjoying the cool weather and each other's company. I did throw on my bathing suit because I saw some other people in the water, but after a quick touch of the water there was no way I was getting in! Despite the cold water the falls were beautiful and there were smiles all around as everyone had a chance to relax and catch up with each other.

Katee and Drew with Laynee (Gherig was too busy playing to stop for a family photo!)

Uncle Rich, Aunt Barbara & Katelyn hanging out with us.

Matt introducing Ollie to the cold water

The cold water didn't stop Gherig from getting in

He loved to slash everyone!

Ollie with a little splash on his face

Buds

Barb & Kate hanging out on the rocks

Gherig taking a break

One huge benefit of having Katee with us was she was willing to pick up the camera and take a few shots. It was so fun to look back and have some pictures of our little family all together, usually it's Matt and Ollie, or me and Ollie loved that she caught all three of us playing!


Practicing standing up

He didn't really walk but we got a step out of him

Time to celebrate!

Tossing him back and forth is always fun.

Look at that belly!

Ollie is good at this, but it still scares me and Matt loves it!

Kate deciding it is too cold to stay in, seriously my legs started loosing feeling just from having my feet in the water!

Snuggling up to Daddy

Our trip to the falls was somewhat short, and since we made the drive out there, at Drew's recommendation we decided to stop at Park City to ride the Alpine Coaster. We went with Richard, Barb & Kate. Barbara was nice enough to spend the afternoon hanging out with Ollie while the rest of us took a ride on the Zipline, and then the Alpine Coaster, and lastly the Alpine Slide. For the first two we had a bit of a wait in lines before we could go, by the second line we at least stopped and got a snow cone and water while we waited. The Zipline was fun-ish, it wasn't scary, it felt more like sitting in a big swing and it was over pretty quick. I flew into the bumper at the end, but Matt on the other hand barely made it (I think that disappointed him).

Then we hit the Alpine Coaster and Drew's recommendation paid off. Matt and I rode on it together and it was thrilling. We didn't put the brakes on at all, just flew through all the twists and turns pretending like we were on our own two man bob sled team. It felt like at moments it was going to tip over and even though we tried to turn into the turns it was hard to do. I screamed the whole way down, not beause I was scared, but just to make it more thrilling and to make the other people that were still being pulled up the hill wonder what was in store for them. Loved it! We nearly walked away from the Alpine Slide, what could beat the coaster? It was getting late and we were all getting hungry but we had the tickets so we went for it. There was no line for the ride, but right before we got on the lift to take us up to it Matt saw some guy walking down his sled all bloodied up and when he asked the lady letting us onto the lift, she said "Oh yeah, that happens daily!" Despite all of that we got on and flew down the hill. It wasn't as fun riding by myself, but Matt was on the track next to me and hard as I tried I couldn't catch up to him. I guess I hadn't been as loose on the brakes as he was at the beginning. Fun stuff.

Kate coming across the finish line

We were all ready to head out for some BBQ, but had a surprise waiting for us in the parking lot. Somehow a tripped alarm on Richard's car kept it from starting. After trying all sorts of things and finally getting a tow truck there, the tow guy gave one last try and got it to start. We found some BBQ on the way home and called it a day- a good day!

Family time

Thursday was somewhat uneventful. Trisha and Jake had gone to the cabin but were nice enough to let us still crash at their house while we tried to figure out the car situation. The dealership had called on Wednesday to tell us it was the transmission that had gone out and they were overnighting a new one from Denver so we were hoping it would be ready by Thursday afternoon. (Luckily everything was under warranty too or else that would have put a real damper on our trip and our pocketbook!) Jess was off work and Matt and I had work to catch up on so she watched Ollie for us while we took care of business. I was glad she had a little more time to see him while we were there too. Just as we were about to get on the freeway to pick Ollie up we got the call that the truck was fixed! It really was perfect timing because then we headed over to get the truck so we could return the one we were borrowing and pick Ollie up all at the same time. Sounded like everyone had fun with him, and that they got to experience his lets just call it "eager" eating. He isn't very patient right now waiting for the next bite! Apparently Gabe didn't like it when he cried either- lol! I always worry whether or not he is being nice when I'm away from him.

After a short visit we headed over to Kris' house and spent the evening hanging out with her. Always a good time when we're with Kris! Even though we just saw her last week we still had a lot of catching up to do! Here is Matt and Ollie hanging on the couch watching the NBA draft. (I didn't purposely put all of us in teal, I guess it's one of my favorite colors right now, but they look cute in their matching clothes.) I love it when he is in his happy/playful mood.



Friday was a lazy day. I didn't shower or anything. Kris worked from home and I think Matt and Ollie (and maybe I!) did a good job of distracting her at times.

Ollie distracting us all!

Helping him practice crawling, he has the stance down now he has to start moving.

I had an appointment to take care of myself. Once work was all done we just kicked back and hung out. Matt once again was throwing out his plots on how he is going to move us to Utah and live in Kris' basement.

Later on we headed out for dinner. I have to laugh a little bit because we went for "Mexican" but it was probably one of the more American tasting Mexican restaurants I've ever been too, not enough fire. But it was good none the less. Ollie seems so grown up every time I see him sit in the high chair by himself. He loves being so independent these days. It probably made him look even older that he appeared to be reviewing the menu!

All grown up

Hanging with his girls!

Jodee flew in Friday morning but we hadn't heard from her in a bit, she was going to come out and hang with us and I knew she was down town but when we hadn't heard from her in a while and couldn't get a hold of her I thought her phone must be dead. After dinner we decided to go to the train station to see if she had made it and was just sitting there waiting for us. In the midst of doing that she called, her phone had died and she hadn't left yet she had fallen asleep! The train was no longer running but by some miracle Holly and Joe were passing by where Jodee was right then on their way to Kris' so they exited the freeway and picked her up. All of them arrived about 45 min later. We spent the night hanging out, baking cookies and having fun!

Hannah loving on Ollie and always making me laugh!

Love, love, love these girls!

I made the mistake of telling Lyla what a cute little sassy girl she is- apparently they get in trouble in their house when they are being "sassy" so when I told her she was sassy she cried and hid in the other room. We made up though and she had big hugs for me again!

Little cutie!

Helping Uncle Matt make cookies

Girls chit chatting

Oh so tough boys!

   Good times at Kris' house. Once again we started a movie at nearly midnight and I was fast asleep within minutes!

Happily Stranded

Day two in Utah, we woke up to Jake coming home and celebrated by going out to a delicous breakfast. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, all I know is I substituted a scone for a piece of toast and a plate with a huge scone that could have been my entire meal arrived. Matt had the same experience ordering a cinnamon roll- a plate appeared that could have fed six people a cinnamon role a piece! Good stuff. After breakfast we did what Matt loves to do- go look at houses and drive around fantasizing about moving. First stop was Jake's grandmother's house. Jake had to stop by and work on something with the watering system, a leaky valve I think, but before all of that we got a tour of the place. I loved the barn most of all, it was so picturesque. It was old, with a rock basement and weathered wood that nearly covered in green vines. And there was real hay inside, a photographers dream and I didn't get one picture! I think the house sits on 8 acres, and there are the coolest old structures all over it. While Jake got to work we went with Trisha and Davis and explored the property.

I love watching Davis, he is all boy! As soon as we got out in the pasture he headed for the sprinklers and danced around, and then fell and rolled around. Trisha just chuckles- every boy needs a big ol' pasture like that one. There were horses and everything. From the pasture there was a beautiful view of the mountains as well, Matt was in heaven. Poor Ollie, all he has is a pool.

After our tour Ollie woke up and we took him down to meet his first horse! So fun.

First time meeting a horse

Ollie and Davis hanging out

It's was all fn and games until the horse tried to bite Ollies toes! Matt didn't like that.

The boys talking about all the good times they could have together camping out, building forts, and sleding in the pasture.

After the farm, we headed around the corner and went on a walk on the trail behind Lagoon. It felt so good to be outside enjoying the sun and cool breeze. Everyone kept telling us how hot is this year but it felt incredible. (Although we were in the shade mostly and it was still morning.) The trail was fun becuase it is the back side of Lagoon so we could see some of the rides- like the white water rapids ride, and we were able to see some of the animals.

Ollie got to see his first reindeer and it isn't even Christmas time yet!

He also met his first Buffalo.

After our morning excursion we went back to Trisha's for a short time before taking off to meet up with Jess' family to watch Brave. The movie time we were going to was all sold out so we got to hang out and visit outside the theatre for a short while before the next one started. It was fun to see everyone, I love how excited they are to see us and to spend time with Ollie. He is such a lucky kid to be so loved by so many, what an impact he has already made on so many lives. The refreshing morning weather I kept talking about suddenly started to feel hot when I was standing outside in the afternoon sun with black wool shorts on! We weren't out there forever though an I did find some shade and got to hang out with Julien and his cousin while everyone else explored the dancing water or just hung out talking. The movie was fun, since I get to see Ollie all the time I was happy to share him and got to sit back and enjoy the movie. For the last six months we have still been to plenty of movies, but I have also spent plenty of time standing in the hall way with Ollie as well. This time he had his moment in the hall way but I wasn't the one with him, I got to see every minute of the movie. I thought of my niece Macey the whole time, she has been so excited for this movie to come out because she is also an adventerous red-head!

After the movie we headed out to visit Jess at work, she had contemplated calling in so she could go to the movies with everyone, but I admire her for being such a faithful employee and showing up for work. The store wasn't all that busy so she took a break and we got to visit and she got to introduce Ollie to some of her co-worker friends. Oh how I remember working in retail, all of my money went right back to the stores I worked for. Just walking around there I was already eyeing all the stuff I would have happily tried on. It's better to keep me out of malls, then I don't know what I'm missing!

After our visit we were able to catch up with Dad and Linda. It was fun to sit out on their back patio and visit while we once again soaked in the weather- just can't get enough of the cool breezes and actually getting to be outside! Ollie had fun entertaining us all.

After our visit they took us out for dinner at a local cafe. I got the meatloaf and Matt had some delicious chicken dish that they are known for. Good stuff. The stranges thing was when we asked our waitress about their desserts she said she actually hadn't tried any of them becuase the employees aren't allowed to get the desserts. I guess they sell out of their pies and desserts every day so they don't want them going to the employees but that doesn't really help the customers that need a recommendation! In the end we passed up the dessert. We went outside and got a history lesson about what used to be the whore houses and the underground right under our feet. Who would have ever guessed? We stood outside talking for quite some time before we finally had to say goodbye. So good to see Dad and Linda.

Day in Court

At nearly the last minute Matt and I decided to drive to Utah instead of fly. Primarily because we changed plans for the 4th. Since we would be spending it in Moab it made a little more sense to keep driving south than it did to drive back to Salt Lake just to fly home. I was reluctant to drive only because I was afraid of keeping Ollie in a car seat for that long, but as we started packing (also at the last minute) I started to realize that we had way too much stuff for him to try and fly. I held onto our tickets until we actually got on the road because I was leery of it getting too late and then being forced to fly because driving wouldn't get us there in time.

We finally got on the road around 9:30pm. Our original plan was to leave at 5:00pm and stay the night in Vegas but when you're going to be away from work for nearly two weeks there were just too many things to take care of that kept us from an on-time start so we were forced to drive straight through the night. The only good thing about driving at night was that Ollie slept almost the entire way. Matt and I took turns driving (which is a first- usually he drives the entire way). He would do about 3 hours and then I would last about 2. The back seat of the truck was actually pretty comfortable to sleep in (for me anyway!) so it wasn't a horrific drive. We were planning on staying with Kris the first few nights but needed a place to shower and get ready for the big event. Luckily Trisha was around because her house was on the way and she was nice enough to let us take over her bathroom to get ourselves cleaned up, and it is always fun to see her. It was a bit like de ja voo because I remember leaving Trisha's house and her wishing us luck as we went to meet Jess the very first time. I wasn't nervous for court, mostly just excited and maybe a little too confident that everything was going to go well. I made sure we got out of the house in enough time to be a bit early and having achieved my goal of leaving on time my confidence only grew (anyone that knows me well knows that was truly a miraculous thing- that I was going to be early!). And then it happened, we got in the truck and started driving away and it was like the truck was barely responding, it was just slugging along. It felt like we were going less than 20 miles an hour, and when I looked over at the speedometer it showed us going 0 miles and hour. That's when we knew something was wrong. My big smile faded to worry, I couldn't believe it. We made it to the red light just before the freeway. Since we were stopped Matt decided to just try restarting the car to see if whatever was wrong would reset. He turned the truck off and then...it wouldn't turn back on at all. I started to sweat and tried not to panic. After a few attempts we knew we were stuck, Matt turned to me and asked me to say a prayer for us. So I did, when we were done he said "That's not the prayer I was expecting" I realized he wanted me to call down the powers and make it start, kind of like when the ox lays down in the movie "Legacy" and her prayers are answered and he stands back up. I had only prayed for help.

I called Trisha and told her what had happened and she said she would jump in the car and come get us so we could get to court. In the mean time some kid walked up to our window to tell us that we couldn't turn left there. He must have seen the out of state license and thought we had no clue how to drive! Lol, Matt explained that our car wouldn't start and as he quickly turned to get back to his car he must have missed me yelling out the window asking if he had any jumper cables. Matt and I were just sitting there looking at the freeway and trying to determine if it would be ok to push the truck to the side of the road and abandon it with all of our stuff in it in order to make it to court on time.  I knew I needed to call the lawyer, but I had no phone number, even his emails didn't have it. Luckily google did, and luckily he was still in his office. (We were 35 minutes from our court time and 25 minutes from court at this point, and the clock was ticking.) Then like a miracle as I was getting him on the phone a man stopped and asked if he could help. His name was Kipp and I will never forget him. I was embarrassed to tell our lawyer what was going on, it was like the many excuses I have made in my life for being late but this time it was all too real and this time being late could mean we would miss the date and have to come back weeks from now when we could get the judge again. I told him we were trying to jump the car right then and he said he would run across the street and see if they could move another case up in front of ours. This time he gave me his cell.

They boys couldn't get the truck started even with the jump, but luckily Kipp had ropes to tie to the front of the truck and he was able to tow us to the gas station where Trisha met us. We were able to leave our truck in a safe place and Kipp even offered to drive us to court himself. My heart was so full of gratitude, and just like the men that came and served us the sacrament on Christmas day we found out Kipp had adopted all three of his children as well. What are the odds? Why was it that he was the one that happened to be there right when we needed him? I will never understand but I will always be grateful for all the little tender mercies that have happened in our journey.

Trisha sped us along and got us there only 5 minutes after 2. I think I will always remember the crazy lady in front of us that was dressed in a bikini top and sweat shorts, she was older and not necessarily someone that even looked good in a bikini top which is why it was so odd. (Maybe it was her general lack of judgement that was taking her to court in the first place!) From the minute we walked in everyone was so nice to us. The security guy asked if we were there for an adoption and when we said yes, he beamed and congratulated us. We quickly realized that adoptions were about the only good thing that happens in court so us being there really was a bright spot in their day.

Since they were able to move another case in front of ours we had time to visit with Carrie (Jess' case worker) and to meet our lawyer for the first time. After a short visit they called us in. I don't exactly know what I was expecting court to be like, I guess I hadn't even taken the time to think about it at all it just seemed like another step/formality. All I know is I wasn't expecting the experience that awaited us. They called Carrie to the stand first and asked her some simple questions and then as she was asked to sign the papers in front of the judge that would make us his parents it all hit me at once. Matt was holding Ollie feeding him a bottle right next to me, I turned to look at him to see if he was feeling it too and there was my sweet husband sitting there with tears rolling down his cheeks dripping off onto his suit and my heart swelled even more. It was such a sweet experience. This whole journey has been filled with love and support from so many people, but truly it is one that we have walked together and there have been words said, and things that only the two of us could ever understand because we have felt/experienced them together. This was one of those moments that was just for the two of us, and words will never adequately describe what it means to us to have Ollie in our life, to be worthy to be his parents and to love him so completely and unconditionally, but it is a moment I will never forget.

They interviewed Matt next, but since his emotions had taken over they went easy on him and he didn't really have to do much talking before they asked him in a bunch of words if he would be his parent, to which Matt said yes and then proceeded to sign the paperwork. And then it was my turn. I thought I was going to get off easy as well, but then they asked me to tell the court how I felt about Ollie. I don't really remember what came out of my mouth except for the word "indescribable" and then a lame effort to try and put in words the love that I have for him. And then I had my opportunity to sign. After that the court was full of smiles, and it was over. Except of course our lawyer asked if we could have a picture with the judge that made everything official. (That wasn't even my idea but I was happy to get one!)

The judge also took the time to tell us how happy he was for us, and what an honor it was to do adoption hearings. He said unfortunately in court you spend so much time breaking families a part that it is refreshing to get to sit in on cases where families want to be together, that is what makes their day. We of course were grateful for the support. We headed downstairs to file the paperwork and pay whatever fees we needed to. It just felt like we were floating. Finally got to steal a kiss from Matt and soak in the moment together. Since we had to wait for our ride we talked Carrie into one last picture for us of our happy little family...

Trisha didn't take long to get to us, she was around the corner visiting Jake at the fire station. I didn't mind the wait though, it felt good to take off my shoes and feel the cool grass and enjoy the weather. (There is none of that at home right now unless I'm in the pool!) We hadn't eaten all day so we had a very late but delicious lunch, but only after we got the truck situation taken care of first. Matt had to get it towed to the dealership so we stopped and took out the essential items we were worried about. Trisha took us to Zupas, I have never eaten there before but I loved it! Especially after eating junk food on the drive up. Ollie loves to sit in the high chairs now and it was fun to have him eating right along side Davis. Trisha really was amazing, I don't know what we would have done without her.

After lunch/dinner we went by the dealership. We go there a little after 4:30pm but apparently that is when the workers stop so there would be no one looking at the truck today. Since we had no way to get to her Jess was nice enough to pick us up so we could visit her and her family. Always a good time, can hardly believe it has been six whole months since we were there last. Ollie was his happy little self, he loves to be the center of attention which is good because he usually is. He loves to sit and laugh and entertain us while we all watch and giggle. He took his turns with each person, and even Venus got a few good licks on his face (although I think she was a little jealous!)

Ollie getting a lick from Venus

Gabe loved being near Ollie and I loved how he grabbed his arm.

Two buds

Ollie happy to entertain

Julien is a hard one to get a picture of, he doesn't like to look at the camera! But I caught them looking at each other.

Ollie imitating Darrel

Learning to hang on his hands

Playing around

Crystal came by so Ollie could show her some love and vice versa

Gabe was excited to share a Mr. Potato head with him

Ollie making the rounds

Concert by Jess and Ollie

Singing was involved

Learning to play

Jess reluctantly letting go so Ollie could stand with her

Playing around

All too soon it was time to go. But not before they took us to their grandparents so hook us up with a vehicle to drive until ours was fixed- that was a super generous surprise. We were happy to see Jess' grandparents too, loved them from the first time we met them and her grandfather hadn't met Ollie yet so it was a sweet visit. Then we were back to Trisha's. Since it was so late we just spent the night with Trisha instead of heading over to Kris'. We thought we were going to get in a movie but Matt and I were out in minutes of turning on the tv, must have been something to do with the long drive!